I called two libraries simply because the first call was so short. At the first library the person who answered asked a few questions like if I was looking for a book for myself or someone else, what I normally like, and what requirements the books needed to fulfil for my class (I told her I needed a science fiction book for school but don't normally read sci-fi). She took down my phone number and said she would ask a librarian, who would call me back today or tomorrow. This was interesting to me because I did not get to speak to the librarian directly. The woman I spoke to was very friendly and asked helpful, relevant questions, but I did not get the back-and-forth conversation I normally would with a librarian.
However, within half an hour I received a call
from the librarian. I was glad I was able to pick up the call so that I could
then have a conversation with her. She suggested Finder by Susanne Palmer;
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, which she said is very funny and
has romance; and The Time Traveler’s Wife, which she said also has humor
and romance.
During my call to a second library, I was again asked what I was looking for and the
parameters I needed to meet for my class. This woman sounded overwhelmed by all the science fiction options available and not knowing which I might like. She used the library catalog to search for recently published science fiction books. She
did a lot of looking for me, but I do think if she had asked about what I usually like to read she might have been able to narrow the selection down more than looking through
every science fiction book in the library catalog.
Although both women were helpful, I really liked that the first one took into consideration the types of books I normally read so that I’m more likely to enjoy this one. I had been skeptical about going through a third person to get book recommendations from a librarian, but in the end I liked how the service worked and was able to get recommendations I am interested in. The second person I spoke to seemed flustered and put on the spot. The first librarian was able to gather her thoughts and take time to look through suggestions before calling me. The books she suggested were thoughtfully picked based on what I like. The books from the second library were chosen at random, with the person on the phone not getting a good idea of what I typically enjoy.
Hello Christina,
ReplyDeleteI like that you decided to call two libraries because of how your first interaction went. Do you think since the first librarian could collect options before she called you that she was more prepared than the second librarian? It sounds like you threw off the second librarian and she was out of her comfort zone. Was there a book that you decided to give a try from the suggestions you were given?
-Abby Abbott
Hi Christina,
ReplyDeleteYou make an interesting observation about the fluster of the second librarian. From your description, it really does sound like she was floundering. It's important to remember in an RA situation that you can always ask for the patron's contact info and get back to them after you've had a moment to do some searching, especially if it might take a while. I've also asked colleagues for assistance, particularly if the RA is heading towards one of their fields of expertise.
I think you hit the nail on the head: the interaction would have been more efficient and successful if the librarian had asked you about your preferences. If someone asked me to recommend "a sci-fi title," I would probably be a bit flustered, too. It is critical to ask questions to determine what the patron likes/dislikes and why. Otherwise, we may as well be reading off a best-seller list, which may or may not match the patron's needs.
Thanks for sharing your experiences.
-Daniel Thurston
Hello, Christina.
ReplyDeleteI really liked your compare-and-contrast approach. It certainly adds more depth to this experiment, showing that one library or librarian's methods aren't necessarily the same as others. I do wonder about the second librarian: could she have simply been embarrassed to ask for more information (as science-fiction isn't necessarily her area of expertise)? I am a little surprised that such a broad selection would surprise a librarian, though. After all, it is an extremely popular genre (especially when you take pop-culture into consideration).
Keep up the good work.
James
I think it's so important in readers' advisory to ask patrons questions like "What have you read recently that you enjoyed?" Something as simple as that can help to forge connections between books, even if the patron, for example, enjoyed the fast-pace or metropolitan setting of a thriller novel, but is now looking for a science fiction or fantasy novel. Without asking questions like these, it's likely that the librarian will become overwhelmed, like you mentioned.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I think it's so important to always remember to not be afraid to take a patron's information and get back to them at a later time. Reference and RA services can take time and most patrons will appreciate that you took the time to provide helpful suggestions rather than rush through the process.
I think it was a great idea to call two different libraries and compare and contrast your experiences. Thanks for sharing!
Juliana, you hit on the point that this and some other posts have been highlighting for me: that we can't be afraid to slow down and take time with the transaction! If you are afraid someone is in a hurry, just ask them if they are, don't assume. Then, if they say yes, do your speedy best but if they have time don't worry about it. When I asked my librarian for a romance novel and she said she didn't know anything about that genre and just pointed me to the paperbacks, instead, she could have said, "I'll need to look into it, if you want you can go browse the paperbacks while I do some research and we can reconvene in ten minutes"
DeleteHi Christina,
ReplyDeleteIt may seem odd that the first librarian had to call you back with her recommendations, but that can actually be a good way to handle a reference question if you know that you will need some time to come up with some good answers. I know in this case the librarian just wasn't available at the time of your call, but I have asked to call someone back or even requested an email address where I could send them information. Sometimes it's easier than having the patron awkwardly wait while you are searching. I'm glad that this librarian called you back with recommendations and chatted with you.
I have noted the above responses towards participation,
ReplyDelete